Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the way we think and act when faced with problems. It can be used for the treatment of:
The process that you will go through:
CBT concentrates on ‘here and now’ life challenges. The therapist helps you to further understand yourself by talking and recording relevant experiences in a diary.
The thinking process often including ‘fleeting feelings’ are carefully considered alongside your behaviour in response to these thoughts. A psychological formulation is made which hopefully results in you being able to understand how particular thoughts lead to a behavioural reaction e.g. avoidance of a ‘social situation’.
Homework exercises are suggested that encourage you to change your behaviour ‘there and then’ and result in different thoughts and behaviour when you confront this life situation again.
The recent NICE recommendations and Cochrane reviews suggest that depression, generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have the best outcomes.
Marital distress, anger, substance use and chronic pain have moderate outcomes. CBT with eating disorders and schizophrenia/bipolar difficulties are not as successful.
As the complexity of a problem increases NICE recommend combining medication with CBT.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on how our thoughts and behaviours influence our emotions and actions. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and works on addressing current life challenges. It helps individuals understand and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns.
CBT is used to treat a wide range of mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, phobias, persistent pain, anger issues, stress, sleep problems, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
CBT helps you become aware of how your thoughts influence your behaviours. It involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, recording experiences, and using diary work. Therapists guide you through exercises that encourage real-time behavioural changes, aiming to improve how you respond to similar situations in the future.
According to NICE guidelines and Cochrane reviews, CBT is highly effective for conditions such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. It shows moderate results for chronic pain, anger, substance use, and marital issues. In more complex cases like schizophrenia or eating disorders, CBT is often combined with medication.
During CBT sessions, you’ll work with a therapist to explore your thoughts and behaviours related to current issues. You’ll keep track of your experiences, complete homework assignments, and learn practical strategies to change your responses. The aim is to gain better control over how you feel and react in challenging situations.
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